"As a league we worked diligently to explore alternatives to realignment, but the lack of alternatives combined with importance of this project to address broader issues within Minor League Baseball led us to help facilitate this realignment," California League President Charlie Blaney said in a news release.

One relocated franchise will play in Kinston, North Carolina. The other location is not settled, but Fayetteville, North Carolina, appears to be a strong contender.

"Baseball has had a long and wonderful history in Bakersfield," Blaze owner D.G. Elmore said in the news release. "I am sorry to see it come to a close."